New House Bill Would Curb RRP Rules
Reps. John Sullivan (R-Okla.), Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) and a bipartisan list
of co-sponsors introduced legislation last week that would restore the
opt-out provision...read more

AAMA Looks at Energy Star Changes

Oak Brook, Ill.—Changes in the Energy Star program and
their impact on window and door makers are topping the agenda at the
summer meeting of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association
taking place here this week...read more

Roto AG Acquires Fasco

Fasco Die Cast Inc., a manufacturer of window and patio door hardware
based in Mississauga, Ontario, has been acquired by the parent
company of Roto Frank of America...read more

WDMA Adding Executive Conference

The organization has announced plans to host its first executive management conference targeted at industry CEOs and senior executives...read more

WD Equipment Channel Updated

Special section of WindowandDoor.com features new videos from Erdman, Eugénie, Stürtz and Tauring

This week, Starbucks announced an initiative
aimed to increase U.S.-based manufacturing—and thus, add more jobs to
our economy. In a nutshell, the coffee company launched a line of
merchandise for its stores—mugs, coffee, things like that—made
exclusively by U.S. workers. The Reuters report points out that
Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz is calling on all executives to step up
hiring and take a bigger role in the country's economic revival.”

As we wrapped up 2011, we asked in a Talk poll
whether industry companies planned to hire, fire or maintain the status
quo when it came to headcount in 2012. Having made it to the half-way
point, I’d like to pose the question again and see whether things have
changed since we explored this topic more than six months ago.

Looking
ahead to the remainder of 2012, do you expect to maintain your current
headcount—perhaps focusing on ways to get more efficient with the
employees you do have—or do you believe that you’ll need additional
workers to keep up with demand? Has your company finally moved past the
worst of the layoffs and furloughs? Please take a moment to vote so we
can have a good comparison to the same poll from last November, and let
me know what you’re experiencing at your company. You can post a comment
or feel free to send me an email.

Is Facebook Working for You?

Our survey results suggest Facebook usage within the industry is growing, but not exactly at a breakneck pace...read more